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effect was sustained over the two-year span of the trials. Several presentations focused on results from extension phases of completed clinical trials in relapsing-remitting MS. To read more, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/2013AAN.
STOPPING THE DISEASE
on disease disability and progression in future trials.
RESTORING FUNCTION
Exploring disease activity An Argentinian study on whether vaccinations can trigger MS attacks found that yellow fever vaccines may substantially increase the risk of MS relapse; therefore, people with MS planning a trip to a region with an increased risk of yellow fever should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their doctor. A small study in Louisiana found that people with higher levels of glucose were more likely to have higher levels of disability. This important lead needs more study to prove a role for blood sugar in MS progression. A few studies focused on ways to track disease progression, including one that analyzed serum samples from people with MS who were taking glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). The researchers were able to find antibody profiles that could detect those who responded to therapy and those who did not. Dr. Nicholas LaRocca of the National MS Society described efforts of the newly formed MS Outcome Assessments Consortium to accelerate development of more effective treatments for MS. They will analyze data from completed MS clinical trials and other studies and work with regulatory agencies to qualify a new outcome measure that can more sensitively track the impact of therapies STOPPING THE DISEASE
Several studies focused on the benefits of exercise for brain function and MS symptoms such as fatigue, while others looked at how the brain can adapt to MS damage. To read blog posts by MS researchers on these and other studies, visit blog.nationalMSsociety.org.
RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST
RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST
ENDING MS FOREVER
A study on CCSVI did not find a significant difference between 61 people with MS and 20 people without MS when technicians trained in CCSVI assessment used various ultrasound techniques to detect the condition. The first results of another study of controlled endovascular treatment at six months found no adverse events, but also no sustained improvement in venous outflow.
ENDING THE DISEASE FOREVER Several reports focused on risk factors for MS, including one indicating that dietary salt may stimulate activity of key immune cells involved in MS attacks. Read more at www. nationalMSsociety.org/dietarysalt. ENDING MS FOREVER
For his extensive work on understanding MS, including the importance of genetic factors in who develops the disease and how genes interact with environmental factors, Professor George Ebers was this year’s recipient of the John Dystel Prize for MS Research, given jointly by the Society and the AAN. Read scientific summaries on the AAN’s website at www.abstracts2view.com/aan. n